As someone who is passionate about technology, this is my blog designed to help educate people about social media. As well, I want to use this social media forum to bring our growing tech community together.

Note: This is an mySA.com City Brights Blog. These blogs are not written or edited by mySA or the San Antonio Express-News. The authors are solely responsible for the content.

Your social media avatar: the most critical part of any social media strategy

As someone who has watched the evolution of social media, I believe that the avatar is like a business card. And, like my business, my avatar is like it in that the quality of it says a lot about my business.

Several weeks ago, I was at the Door64.com tech fair in Austin. There was a lot of out-of-work silicon chip manufacturers who had those homemade business cards with the ink stains.

For those who has a cropped family picture at their avatar, it’s time to update it with a professional photo. And, like a business card it has to evolve over time.

A year ago, Ruben Barron, my graphic guru, sat me down for a formal shooting session. I have used that photo for over a year, until I met Steve Noreyko, an Austin photographer at Austin Interactive. Steve took my latest mug shoot. I loved his generous use of pancake makeup on what he termed “extended forehead.”

Just after getting my photo, I noted Louis Cardenas’ ditzy blonde avatar on Twitter. So, I sent Louis my latest mug shot to ask him to see what kind of personality he could create for me. In a day, Louis created an “Andy Warhol” feel to my mug shot.

If you are individual or a business, a professional graphic artist can update an avatar. For those using a homemade photo or a simple graphic file, it’s time to engage somelike Ruben, Steven or Louis to help them get a professional look and feel.